Compression and effect pedals

Tim Tweedale · Post by **Tim Tweedale** » 30 Apr 2004 9:03 am

Do you use compression before your volume pedal? If so, what kind of compression and how much? What effects (if any) do you consider indespensable as a steel player?

-Tim

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 30 Apr 2004 10:16 am

None are indespensible. I do use an old Fender Vol/Tone pedal to get a little Speedy West boo-wah here and there. The pure unadorned sound of a steel guitar still knocks me out. I don't use ketchup on a good steak either.

chas smith R.I.P. · Post by **chas smith R.I.P.** » 30 Apr 2004 10:25 am

A compressor is essentially an electronic volume control that's pre-programmed. At the bottom of your foot is a "dynamic" variable volume control (compressor).

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 30 Apr 2004 12:09 pm

Didn't Buddy use one of those Orange Squeezer thingies for awhile?

Nate LaPointe · Post by **Nate LaPointe** » 30 Apr 2004 12:56 pm

I tend to think of a compressor and a volume pedal as somewhat cancelling eachother out. When you swell with the volume pedal, the compressor's threshold or ceiling limits how high it can go, right?
I especially don't use a compressor for solos, for I want to break that ceiling and be heard over the rest of the band.

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 30 Apr 2004 1:02 pm

Moved to Electronics section.

Pete Burak · Post by **Pete Burak** » 30 Apr 2004 4:55 pm

Nate, Do you use the Compresser after the V-Ped?

Nate LaPointe · Post by **Nate LaPointe** » 1 May 2004 1:28 am

I rarely use it with the steel, mostly with guitar. But when I do use it, I put it first in the chain, before the volume pedal. It will still work after the volume pedal, but this setup just works best for my sound, especially because I play so much rhythme guitar, gives me a nice clean chimey tone.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 1 May 2004 5:05 am

Compressors are used mostly by lead players (who have no volume pedal).

Most steelers use just a little 'verb or delay, and feel that's all you need.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 1 May 2004 6:06 am

I'm sure that I remember Buddy using an Orange Squeezer that plugs right into the guitar. It's a small compressor that has no controls 'cept for an on/off switch.

Rand Anderson · Post by **Rand Anderson** » 2 May 2004 9:49 pm

you want to put if before your volume pedal cuzz compressors will hiss. they are great fro letting you lay into the strings. the dan armstrong orange squeezer is my favorite compressor box out there. i love it on steel and strats. my next choice is the old grey ross or an old mxr dynacomp.